Main Body
Jute, a crop known for its usage across industries of storage products, textiles and crafts is starting to decline in India.
Jute - a Golden Fiber
Has multiple applications
▸ Gunny Bags
▸ Textiles
▸ Jute-based crafts
Golden color of Raw Jute - reflected in items
Remunerative value - Jute Duty for 10 years put 1950.
Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar and Assam are 4 states also gained posting from Jute sales (Recommended by the Union FCI)
Causes of Decline of Jute Mill Industry:
Increase in the prices of raw jute has made it uneconomic for companies under FRP regime
Outdated machinery and lower productivity have prevented economies of scale.
Requirement of water and other inputs have added to the lost metrics.
Higher cost of Jute as compared to MMF and polyethene products with low demand for Jute
Broken market linkage with inadequate downstream integration.
Low levels of export examples include:
Low levels of mechanization among the farmers (Ex: 46%. CE per SMMY)
Way forward:
Invest resources to upscale MMF industry on India and earn from it.
Skill development of workers and retrofitting of mills to be able to compete
Focus on niche products with lower replacement. Ex: Export of Jute-crafts with tag.
214 words15 paragraphs
Conclusion
Thus, while the industry is declining, innovative pathways can enable transition towards making it economic and vibrant.
17 words
- Clear identification of jute as golden fiber
- Multiple applications listed
- Historical reference to Jute Duty policy (1950)
- Structured approach with bullet points
Topper
Amrit Mahapatra
AIR 121
Subject & Paper
GS3UNKNOWN
Topic
Jute Industry
Jute Production and Decline
Jute as golden fiber and its applications
Writing Stats
231
Total words
15
Paragraphs